The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1265429
THE WOLVERINE 2020 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 71 WIDE RECEIVERS what he doesn't know," Bellamy said. "He just goes out and plays hard because that's how he was raised, and the coaches do a good job getting him after it." But the prep coach was also quick to note Bell had better not let up given the talent behind him. Sophomores Mike Sainristil, Giles Jackson and Cornelius Johnson are all hungry for more after seeing the field as freshmen. From experience, Bellamy knows about looking over his shoulder at the depth chart behind him and keeping a foot on the pedal. All three freshmen not only played, but all made significant contributions in at least one game. Sainristil edged out Jackson, 145 receiving yards to 142, and averaged 18.1 yards per reception in proving to be a big- play guy. "I like him a lot," Bellamy said of the 5-10, 183-pound Sainristil. "You could tell he hit the freshman wall a little bit, and that happens. Usually when a freshman fades it's due to injury or being away from home. These guys are only 18 years old. "Nonetheless, I think Mike is going to have an outstanding sophomore campaign. He's really good with the ball in his hands after the catch." The same can be said of Jackson. He's one of many elusive options — "just electric," Bellamy praised — who will make an even bigger impact in 2020. The 5-9, 188-pounder proved his worth on kickoffs and opened the scoring against Ohio State last year with a dynamic 22-yard end around. He scored via rush, reception and kickoff return last season. "He's one of many of those guys they have that is a threat every time he catches the ball," Bellamy said. "They aren't big, maybe 5-10 or 5-11, but they know what to do after the catch." They need a few bigger guys to step up, as well. There's hope that sophomore Cornelius Johnson is ready to do just that. The 6-3, 209-pounder added the cherry on top of a 44-10 beatdown of Michigan State with a late, 39-yard touchdown, one of his four catches as a freshman. "He's going to have to step up," Bellamy said. "I'm not sure the coaches expected to lose both [Peoples-Jones] and Tarik, so that throws you for a spin. You have to have that big receiver, that rebounder who can post in the offense, run that third-and-seven curl route, a slant or a dig. "Little guys aren't built to do that consis- tently. For Cornelius, that's going to be his niche." All of them, though, are going to be ex- pected to raise their games in 2020. Like last year, this group has the potential to be the best unit on the field. They're anxious to prove they've got what it takes. ❑ Mike Sainristil flashed big-play potential as a true freshman in 2019, hauling in eight catches for 145 yards (18.1 yards per reception) and one score. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN ROSTER No. Name Ht. Wt. Year Elig. Hometown (High School) 8 Ronnie Bell 6-0 184 Jr. Jr. Kansas City, Mo. (Park Hill) 4 Nico Collins 6-4 222 Sr. Sr. Birmingham, Ala. (Clay-Chalkville) 43 Tyler Grosz* 6-1 203 5th. Sr. Auburn Hills, Mich. (Avondale) — A.J. Henning 5-10 183 Fr. Fr. Frankfort, Ill. (Lincoln-Way East) 0 Giles Jackson 5-9 188 So. So. Antioch, Calif. (Freedom) 6 Cornelius Johnson 6-3 209 So. So. Greenwich, Conn. (Brunswick) 43 Jake McCurry* 6-0 192 Sr. Jr. Solon, Ohio (Solon) 80 Hunter Neff* 6-2 219 So. Fr. Chelsea, Mich. (Chelsea) 19 Mike Sainristil 5-10 183 So. So. Everett, Mass. (Everett) 81 Nate Schoenle^ 6-2 206 5th. Sr. Plymouth, Mich. (Gabriel Richard) 39 Matt Torey* 5-10 178 Jr. So. Sterling Heights, Mich. (Brother Rice) — Roman Wilson 6-0 175 Fr. Fr. Honolulu (St. Louis) 31 Jack Young* 6-1 196 Sr. Jr. Pittsburgh (Mt. Lebanon) * Walk-on; ^ former walk-on "I couldn't be more excited about the wide receiver room right now." OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GATTIS